Shocking CCTV Footage Exposes Inhumane Treatment of a 4-Year-Old at Vadodara Child Development Center

Vadodara: A distressing incident has come to light from the New Horizons Child Development Center in Vadodara, where a four-year-old child was subjected to inhumane treatment by the center’s staff. The child, who was enrolled in speech therapy, was seen crying in CCTV footage while the center’s head, Dr. Meera, and her assistant, Pooja, allegedly mistreated him instead of comforting him. Following the release of the footage, police have registered a case against the two under the Juvenile Justice Act and initiated an investigation.

Parents Speak Out: “My Son Was Beaten by the Teacher”

The victim’s mother shared that she had enrolled her son at New Horizons Child Development Center after seeing their advertisements on social media, which claimed to provide therapy for children requiring extra help. Despite her son being able to speak and attend school, she felt he needed assistance in socializing with other children. However, parents were not allowed inside the center during sessions.

She further revealed that after a 45-minute session, her child usually described his activities. However, on the day of the incident, he came out crying uncontrollably. When she asked him what had happened, he replied, “Today, the teacher was very angry and hit me.” Concerned, she contacted the center and requested CCTV footage, but the staff delayed access for 10 days, claiming the footage was stored in Mumbai.

CCTV Footage Reveals Shocking Abuse

When the parents finally reviewed the footage, they saw their child crying continuously while the therapist, Pooja, ignored him and continued sitting on a swing. The child cried for nearly eight minutes before Dr. Meera entered the room. Her body language suggested anger, and shockingly, she was seen throwing the child into a corner and sitting on his legs. She also forcefully placed her face near his.

The mother stated that it was unclear whether the child was injected or harmed in some other way, but he suddenly stopped crying after this act.

Center’s Administration Refuses to Apologize

Despite clear evidence from the CCTV footage, Dr. Meera refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing. When confronted, she denied mistreating the child and refused to apologize. The victim’s mother questioned, “Is this how a teacher should behave with a four-and-a-half-year-old child?”

Parents Demand Closure of the Center

The victim’s family, who had paid ₹40,000 for a three-month therapy program, is now demanding strict action against the center and its staff. They also claim that other children at the center, including those with autism, might have faced similar mistreatment. One parent mentioned that their child had also been handled roughly but was unwilling to take action.

Following the incident, the victimized child has become fearful, often sitting in corners and refusing to interact. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have issued notices to the accused staff members.

ACP Pranav Katariya confirmed that an inquiry is underway based on the parents’ complaint and that the CCTV footage is being thoroughly examined. Further legal action is expected.

This shocking case raises serious concerns about the safety of children in therapy centers and the urgent need for stricter monitoring of such institutions.